a stock has a correlation with the market of 0.45. the standard deviation of the market is 21 percent, and the standard deviation of the stock is 35 percent. what is the stock's beta?

The main problem of fee-for-service is that doctors have an incentive to have patients return for unnecessary visits (option d).

Fee-for-service is a healthcare model in which medical providers, such as physicians and hospitals, charge fees for each service they offer, such as an office visit, a test, or a medical procedure. The fee-for-service model incentivizes providers to administer more services because they are paid per service rather than a fixed amount for a patient's overall care.

This can result in over-treatment, such as prescribing unnecessary medications or conducting needless tests or procedures, which can be harmful to patients and increase healthcare costs. Additionally, this system can encourage doctors to have patients return for unnecessary visits, which can lead to a waste of time and resources while exposing patients to needless tests or procedures.

Therefore, the main problem of fee-for-service is that doctors d) have an incentive to have patients return for unnecessary visits.

You can learn more about fee-for-service at

https://brainly.com/question/22312322

#SPJ11

Bigwell's failure to innovate can be attributed to a lack of resources, both in terms of personnel and funding.

 Companies like Bigwell Industries that do not invest in innovation, research and development will inevitably be left behind in the marketplace, as competitors will be quicker to adopt new technologies and methods that can help them better serve their customers and remain competitive.

To remain competitive, businesses must regularly innovate and update their processes, procedures, products, and services, as well as make use of cutting-edge technologies and best practices. Companies that are unable to innovate risk being left behind in the marketplace, which can lead to lost business opportunities and decreased profits.

Therefore, companies need to allocate resources towards innovation to avoid being left behind in the marketplace. They must identify areas in which they can improve, allocate resources, and hire the appropriate personnel to lead the way. By doing so, they can remain competitive in the market and maintain a strong foothold.

For more such questions on funding

https://brainly.com/question/29102218

#SPJ11

When you sign a release, you are affirming the dollar amount of the loss and who will receive payment for the loss.

You are also affirming whether a loss has occurred and whether it is covered. The release is intended to protect all parties involved and ensure that the appropriate compensation is paid out.

If the release is signed, it is assumed that all parties agree to the terms outlined in the document and that the loss is being accurately represented. The release can also protect all parties from any future legal action based on the loss. By signing the release, all parties are agreeing that the information provided is accurate and complete.

know more Affirming about here

https://brainly.com/question/17705362#

#SPJ11

The present value of the thirty payments of $70 each that the bondholder will receive is $869.

Although bonds are not all created equal, they are frequently seen as secure investments for retirees. As a wide variety of bonds plummeted during the sell-off in the equity market in March, bondholders were forced to learn an expensive lesson. The unexpected global economic shutdown caused on by the health crisis caught markets off guard. Investors liquidated riskier investments like stocks and holdings in bonds that invested in firms and municipalities at high risk of a default or bankruptcy as a result, driving a rush for cash and safety.

Learn more about investments here-

https://brainly.com/question/15105766

#SPJ1

The effective annual rate of 13.9 percent of compounded quarterly would be 14.37 percent therefore the correct option is C.

To calculate the EAR in this case, the compound interest formula can be used:

(13.9/4))^4 - 1 = 14.37%

EAR = (1 + r/n)^n - 1 where r is the rate per period and n is the number of compounding periods per year. In this example, with a 13.9% interest rate and four compounding periods per year, the EAR comes out to 14.37%.

It's important to remember that when dealing with compounded interests, small differences in the base numbers make big differences in the resulting value for the effective annual rate - always be sure to use precise calculations.

Hence the correct option is C.

To know more about compound interest visit:

https://brainly.com/question/14295570

#SPJ4

Any partial billings are recorded in a contra account to construction in progress. If the net amount is a debit, report it as an asset; if it is a credit, report it as a liability. The correct answer is option d.

Construction in progress (CIP) is a type of fixed asset that has not yet been placed in service. This type of asset can be thought of as a "work-in-progress" asset. CIP assets are fixed assets that are in the process of being built or developed. They represent a future addition to a company's fixed asset base, and they are treated differently from other types of fixed assets.

For example, if a company is constructing a new building, the costs associated with the construction would be recorded in a CIP account until the building is completed and ready to be used. During the construction process, any partial billings would be recorded in a contra account to construction in progress. If the net amount is a debit, it should be reported as an asset; if it is a credit, it should be reported as a liability.

Learn more about Construction in progress (CIP) here: https://brainly.com/question/29308313

#SPJ11

The sustainable growth rate of a business would be 16% if it had a return on assets (ROA) of 10%, an equity multiplier based on initial capital of 4.0 times, and a dividend payout ratio of 60%.

A resource having economic value that a person, company, or nation owns or manages with the idea that it will one day be valuable is known as an asset. A list of assets can be seen in a company's balance sheet. They are broken down into four groups: current, fixed, financial, and tangible. If you can sell your possessions for cash, they are your assets. In accounting, any resource that a business controls or owns is referred to as an asset. Everything that may be sold for money is acceptable. The financial assets listed on a balance sheet may be utilized to calculate the equity. Personal assets often include cash and its equivalents, certificates of deposit (CDs), checking and bank accounts, money market accounts, actual cash, and Treasury notes.

Learn more about assets here

https://brainly.com/question/25746199

#SPJ4

Ceiling Fan Ltd should reduce its production and sales levels to increase its marginal revenue above its marginal cost and maximize its profits.

As a monopolist, Ceiling Fan Ltd has the power to set the price of its product. To maximize profits, it should produce at the level where its marginal revenue equals its marginal cost. In this case, the marginal cost is higher than the marginal revenue, which means that Ceiling Fan Ltd is not currently maximizing its profits.

To increase its profits, Ceiling Fan Ltd should reduce its production and sales levels. This will cause its marginal revenue to increase, as it will be able to charge a higher price due to the reduced supply. Eventually, its marginal revenue will equal its marginal cost at a lower production level, maximizing its profits.

This strategy may lead to a decrease in total revenue, but it will be offset by the decrease in total costs due to the reduced production. It is important to note that this strategy may not be sustainable in the long run, as competitors may enter the market and drive down prices.

For more questions like Marginal revenue click the link below:

https://brainly.com/question/30260452

#SPJ11

Creativity is a process influenced by individual and organizational factors that results in the production of novel and useful ideas, products, or both. The correct option is: C.

Creativity is an important aspect of an individual's life as it makes them think out of the box and come up with innovative solutions to the problems they are facing. It involves the generation of novel and useful ideas, products or both. It has become an important factor for economic growth as it leads to technological innovation and advancement.

Hence, the correct option is C: creativity.

You can learn more about Creativity at

https://brainly.com/question/30365769

#SPJ11

The given statement " Static analysis should be done during implementation" is false.  because static analysis should be done during the early stages of software development to detect and fix errors before the code is compiled or run.

What is static analysis?Static analysis is a software testing technique that examines the source code or application without executing it. It's commonly used to detect potential problems, bugs, and vulnerabilities in software systems. Static analysis can help developers and testers identify issues with code quality, security, and performance before the software is released to end-users. It's an essential part of the software development process.

What is dynamic analysis?Dynamic analysis is a software testing technique that examines the behavior of an application while it's running. It's commonly used to detect issues with performance, stability, and security in software systems. Dynamic analysis can help developers and testers identify problems with the application's behavior that may not be evident in the source code. It's an essential part of the software development process.

To know more about Static analysis click here

brainly.com/question/29966040

#SPJ11

B. A strategic channel alliance is especially good for a firm to use in global marketing where the creation of marketing channel relationships is expensive and time-consuming.

This type of alliance involves partnering with another company to share resources, capabilities, and expertise in order to effectively reach the target market. In global marketing, forming these alliances can help overcome challenges such as cultural differences, legal restrictions, and logistical barriers.

Strategic channel alliances enable firms to leverage the existing distribution networks, customer relationships, and local knowledge of their partners. This helps in reducing costs, minimizing risks, and increasing market penetration. Additionally, these alliances can improve the efficiency of the marketing efforts, as both partners can benefit from each other's strengths and share responsibilities.


In conclusion, strategic channel alliances are particularly beneficial for firms operating in global markets where establishing marketing channel relationships can be costly and time-consuming. By partnering with another company, firms can share resources, knowledge, and expertise to achieve better market reach and efficiency. Therefore the correct option is B.

The Question was Incomplete, Find the full content below :

content loaded

Which type of marketing channel arrangement is especially good for a firm to use in global marketing where the creation of marketing channel relationships is expensive and time consuming?

A. Dual distribution

B. Strategic channel alliance

C. Cooperative distribution

D. Integrated global channel alliance

E. Multi-channel distribution

Know more about strategic channel alliance here:

https://brainly.com/question/31261663

#SPJ11  

The bank gave Fredrick a $3,000 loan for a new appliance. For this two-year, 14.5 percent loan, the bank is utilizing the simple interest formula. He has an overall 87000 interest.

Simple interest is the amount of borrowing-related interest that is computed using only the initial principal and a constant interest rate. Compounding, in which borrowers wind up paying interest on principle plus interest that increases over a few of payment periods, is not a part of it.

Simple Interest (S.I.) is a way for figuring out how much interest will accrue on a specific principle sum of money at a certain rate of interest.

Summary. Interest=Principal x Rate x Time

I = PRT

Amount=Principal + Interest

A=P+I Principal is your initial sum of money. This article employs two formulae.

Interest (I) = PRT

Interest (I) = 3,000 x 14.5 x 2

Interest (I) = 87000

Learn more about simple interest Visit: brainly.com/question/25845758

#SPJ4

Based on the provided cost of goods sold and average inventory, the inventory turnover equals 4.46 times.

The inventory turnover is the number of times that the inventory is sold and replaced during a specific time period. It is calculated by dividing the cost of goods sold by the average inventory.

To calculate Giorgio's inventory turnover, you can use the following formula:

Inventory Turnover = Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory

Given the information provided in the question:

- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) = $9,613 million

- Average Inventory = $2,157 million

Now, plug the values into the formula:

Inventory Turnover = $9,613 million / $2,157 million

Inventory Turnover ≈ 4.46

So, Giorgio's inventory turnover is approximately 4.46 times.

Learn more about Inventory turnover:

https://brainly.com/question/18914383

#SPJ11

According to the CAPM/SML equation, if inflation increases, all else constant, the required returns of all stocks would increase by the same amount.  

The correct option is D

In general , Inflation, which refers to the general increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy, does not have a direct impact on the CAPM/SML equation, but it can increase the risk-free rate and the market risk premium, leading to an increase in the required return for all stocks.

Also, risk-free rate will generally increase due to inflation as well as market risk premium would also increase as investors demand higher returns to compensate for the inflation risk. Since these factors affect all stocks equally, the required returns of all stocks would increase by the same amount.

Hence, D is the correct option

To learn more about CAPM/SML  equation , here

brainly.com/question/30705778

#SPJ4

In countries of Latin America, the accounting standards focus on recent market economy reforms. The correct option is C.

Accounting standards are a collection of criteria, principles, and regulations established by authoritative organizations that regulate the creation, disclosure, interpretation, and auditing of financial statements. Accounting standards help to ensure that financial statements produced by businesses are reliable, transparent, and informative to investors, creditors, and other stakeholders.

Accounting standards are critical because they provide a framework for financial reporting that ensures that businesses provide accurate and transparent information to stakeholders. Accounting standards allow investors and creditors to compare the financial performance and position of companies accurately. They are critical in facilitating trade, investment, and economic growth.

In countries of Latin America, C: the accounting standards focus on recent market economy reforms.

You can learn more about accounting standards at

https://brainly.com/question/30246507

#SPJ11

The statement "Shouldice Hospital in Canada did hernia repairs at its hospital and attracted patients from all over North America. This was an example of a mass-market strategy" is false because they were able to differentiate themselves from other hospitals and establish a unique market position, which helped them attract patients from all over North America.

Shouldice Hospital did attract patients from all over North America, but the hospital's strategy was not a mass-market one. A mass-market strategy aims to cater to a broad audience with a standardized product or service that appeals to as many people as possible. It typically involves a high volume of sales with low prices to make the product or service accessible to as many people as possible.

In this case, Shouldice Hospital focused on providing specialized hernia repair surgery, which is its area of expertise. Their unique surgical technique and high success rate in repairing hernias attracted patients from all over North America who were seeking specialized treatment for their hernia condition.

By focusing on providing quality care for hernia repair, they were able to create a loyal customer base, and word-of-mouth referrals helped them attract patients from different parts of North America.

To know more about mass market here

https://brainly.com/question/31179706

#SPJ4

Postretirement benefits expense and pension expense are similar in many ways, as both represent the cost of providing benefits to employees after they retire.

The fundamental difference lies in the calculation of the service cost component. The service cost component of postretirement benefits expense represents the present value of benefits earned by employees during the current period, whereas the service cost component of pension expense represents the present value of benefits earned by employees over their entire working careers.

This difference arises because postretirement benefits, such as healthcare, are typically earned and consumed on an annual basis, whereas pension benefits are earned over a period of years and then paid out over the employee's retirement.

Therefore, the service cost component of postretirement benefits expense is more closely tied to current-period employee compensation and is generally easier to estimate.

Overall, the service cost component of both postretirement benefits and pension expense is an important factor in determining the overall cost of providing benefits to employees, and accurate estimation is essential for effective financial planning and management.

Learn more about management here:

https://brainly.com/question/11599959

#SPJ4

Jeanine is planning on making her first million dollars before she reaches 25 years of age. though still in high school, she subscribes to the wall street journal, carries a brief case, and invests her allowance with a stockbroker. moreover, she insists on wearing business suits everyday to school. Jeanine is thoroughly engaged in entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship is the process of creating or starting something new, and assuming the associated risks and rewards. Entrepreneurs are the individuals who identify a need in the market and develop a product or service to fulfill that need, investing time, money, and other resources in the process.

According to the given scenario, Jeanine is interested in making her first million dollars before she reaches 25 years of age. She subscribes to the Wall Street Journal, invests her allowance with a stockbroker, and carries a briefcase. Moreover, she insists on wearing business suits every day to school. This all shows that Jeanine is engaged in entrepreneurship as she is passionate about building her own business and making a mark in the business world.

Learn more about entrepreneurship at:

https://brainly.com/question/29978330

#SPJ11

When an increase in autonomous consumption leads to a bigger increase in real GDP, the process that occurs is known as the multiplier effect.

The multiplier effect is the idea that an initial increase in spending by a government or a consumer will lead to a larger overall increase in spending and economic growth.

It happens because an increase in spending will cause an increase in production, which will cause an increase in income, which will cause more spending, and so on.

The multiplier effect can be measured using the multiplier formula, which is:

Multiplier = 1 / (1 - MPC)

where MPC is the marginal propensity to consume. The MPC is the fraction of additional income that people will spend rather than save. The higher the MPC, the higher the multiplier effect.

The multiplier effect matters because it shows how small changes in spending can lead to big changes in economic growth. It also shows how important it is for governments to stimulate spending during recessions to get the economy growing again.

Learn more about multiplier effect at

https://brainly.com/question/30032097

#SPJ11

Agreement entails the creation of a third-party legal entity is joint venture.

The correct option is B.

In general ,  Joint Venture are the basis of business platforms in which two or more parties agree to pool their resources and expertise to undertake a specific project or business activity. The parties involved in a Joint Venture create a separate legal entity that is responsible for the management and operations of the business.

The parties to the Joint Venture share the profits, losses, and risks of the business according to their agreed-upon terms. Joint Ventures can be formed between companies in the same industry or between companies in different industries that complement each other's strengths.

Hence, B is the correct option

To learn more about Joint Venture  , here

brainly.com/question/30154434

#SPJ4

When a nation invests in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, the result is likely to be economic growth and development.

Infrastructure is the underlying physical or organizational structure required for the functioning of a society or enterprise.

It comprises the basic facilities and installations required for a country's smooth functioning, such as roads, bridges, ports, airports, power plants, and water supply and sanitation systems.

Infrastructural development is critical to economic growth since it improves transportation and communication networks, lowers transaction costs, and increases access to markets.

Investing in technology entails acquiring and utilizing advanced scientific knowledge to improve productivity, reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and create new markets.

Technological advancements, such as automation, the Internet, and artificial intelligence, have drastically transformed business processes, improved the quality of goods and services, and contributed to economic development.

Human capital refers to the skills, knowledge, and experience of a nation's workforce. Investing in human capital entails enhancing education and healthcare systems, promoting research and development, and fostering innovation.

A more skilled and knowledgeable workforce is critical to economic growth since it increases productivity and innovation, which result in higher wages, employment, and economic development.

Learn more about infrastructure at

https://brainly.com/question/17737837

#SPJ11

Vinton's basis in the apartment building is $430,000.

To calculate Vinton's basis in the apartment building, follow these steps:

1. Determine the adjusted basis of the land: $300,000 (original basis).

2. Calculate the gain recognized due to the difference in the mortgages: $230,000 (apartment building's mortgage) - $100,000 (land's mortgage) = $130,000.

3. Calculate the fair market value (FMV) of the land exchanged: $420,000.

4. Determine the amount realized: $420,000 (FMV of land) + $130,000 (gain on mortgages) = $550,000 (FMV of apartment building).

5. Calculate Vinton's basis in the apartment building: $300,000 (adjusted basis of land) + $130,000 (gain on mortgages) = $430,000.

To know more about fair market value click on below link:

https://brainly.com/question/30404131#

#SPJ11

The Solow models' accompanying graph shows that growth will result from both the accumulation of capital and improved ideas if the production function changes from Y1 to Y2.

Long-term economic development is modelled by the Solow-Swan model, also known as the exogenous growth model. It makes an effort to explain long-term economic growth by examining capital accumulation, population or labour growth, and increases in productivity that are primarily fueled by technological advancement. Long-term economic development is modelled by the Solow-Swan model, also known as the exogenous growth model. It makes an effort to explain long-term economic growth by examining capital accumulation, population or labour growth, and increases in productivity that are primarily fueled by technological advancement. Solow examines how increased investment and saving impact long-term economic development.

Learn more about Solow models here:

https://brainly.com/question/16243862

#SPJ4

A woman conveys property to a buyer by a deed that contains five covenants protecting the buyers title. She used a warranty deed.

The woman used a warranty deed, which is a type of deed that conveys property to a buyer and includes five covenants to protect the buyer's title. These covenants are a warranty of title, quiet enjoyment, seisin, right to convey, and further assurances. The warranty of title covenant states that the grantor has good title to the property and is legally permitted to convey it.

The quiet enjoyment covenant states that the grantor will not interfere with the buyer's peaceful use and enjoyment of the property. The seisin covenant states that the grantor is lawfully in possession of the property. The right to convey covenant states that the grantor has the legal right to convey the property to the buyer. Finally, the further assurances covenant states that the grantor will take any additional steps necessary to ensure the validity of the deed. These covenants provide the buyer with assurance that the title is valid and secure.

To learn more about covenants link is here:

brainly.com/question/20989064

#SPJ4

Stock repurchases typically increase per share earnings. Option a is correct.

Stock repurchases refer to the buying back of company shares by the company itself from its shareholders. The purpose of stock repurchases is to return value to shareholders by increasing the value of outstanding shares, reducing the total number of shares outstanding, and boosting earnings per share (EPS).

When a company repurchases shares, the number of shares outstanding is reduced, which, in turn, increases the earnings per share. Since earnings per share is a key financial metric, this increase can have a positive impact on the company's stock price. Furthermore, by repurchasing shares, a company can return cash to shareholders without committing to paying dividends, which can provide more flexibility in managing its financial resources. Hence, option a is correct choice.

To know more about shares, here

brainly.com/question/24178509

#SPJ4

To stimulate investment in new plant life and gadget without growing the extent of actual output, the pleasant policy blend is to increase the money supply and decrease government spending.  

Stimulating investment refers to the process of taking steps to encourage individuals and businesses to invest in a particular industry, sector, or region. Governments, economic policymakers, and other organizations may use various methods to stimulate investment, such as offering tax incentives, providing grants or subsidies, or creating favorable regulatory frameworks.  

The goal of stimulating investment is to increase economic growth, create jobs, and improve the overall prosperity of a community or region. Investment can come in various forms, such as direct investment in physical assets like machinery and equipment, or indirect investment in financial assets like stocks and bonds. By encouraging investment, policymakers hope to attract new businesses, expand existing ones, and create a positive environment for economic growth.

To learn more about Stimulating investment visit here:

brainly.com/question/20336946  

#SPJ4

Hiring family for leadership positions in a new company is the fact that:  they will often work for less compensation than. Therefore option C correct.

The question that implies hiring family members for leadership positions in a new company as it can result in nepotism or cronyism. Nepotism is when someone is given a job, position, or a promotion based on their familial relationship with someone else, rather than their abilities, qualifications, or experience. Cronyism is when someone is given a job or a position based on their friendship or a close personal relationship with someone else.

However, to answer the question directly, among the advantages of hiring family for leadership positions in a new company is the fact that they will often work for less compensation than other pvotential employees. This is because they are likely to share a common goal, and they have a personal attachment to the company. Nevertheless, hiring family members for leadership positions in a new company can be risky as it can cause conflicts of interest, lack of meritocracy, and impede the diversity of the workforce. Therefore, it is advisable to follow ethical hiring practices and give all qualified candidates an equal chance to compete for the position. Option C is correct.

For more such questions on leadership visit:

https://brainly.com/question/25996547

#SPJ11

Banks are able to create money when only a fraction of deposits are held in reserve. This is because banks are required to hold a certain percentage of their deposits as reserves, which are funds that are set aside and not lent out.

The remaining portion of the deposits, known as excess reserves, can be used by banks to make loans, which creates new money in the form of credit. This process of lending and creating new money is often referred to as fractional reserve banking, and it is a common practice in modern banking systems.

Interest rates being above 2%, the Fed selling U.S. government bonds, or the reserve ratio being 100% are not necessary conditions for banks to create money.

Learn more about create money

https://brainly.com/question/1239724

#SPJ4

As per the given statement, 20th Century Fox owns one of the main studies in Hollywood and also won theaters, TV channels, and DVD rental shops. This is an example of vertical integration.

Vertical Integration is the process of the company expanding its business operations by acquiring another company that operates either before or after the acquiring company in the supply chain.

In other words, when a company takes control of its distributors, suppliers, or retail locations to sell products or services, it is known as vertical integration.

There are two types of vertical integration; forward and backward. The vertical integration example of 20th Century Fox can be explained as 20th Century Fox is a movie production company.

They own many studios and theaters to show their films, and also have television channels and DVD rental shops where their movies are distributed.

By owning these studios and theaters, 20th Century Fox can reduce costs and secure a reliable revenue stream. They no longer need to pay the rental fee for studios and theaters, and can also control the screening time for their movies.

By owning DVD rental shops, they can ensure that their movies are available for rent and that they get a percentage of the revenue generated. By owning TV channels, they can broadcast their movies and ensure a captive audience.

In conclusion, vertical integration is a method for businesses to expand their operations by acquiring companies in their supply chain.

20th Century Fox is a great example of vertical integration in the entertainment industry, as they have acquired many studios, theaters, television channels, and DVD rental shops.

To know more about vertical integration, refer here:

https://brainly.com/question/31325331#

#SPJ11

The correct option (b) No. The engineer would have to use information obtained while working for the original employer.

In order to determine the ethical course of action, the engineer should consider the following:

Review any contracts or agreements signed with their previous employer to understand any potential legal or ethical obligations. If there are non-disclosure or non-compete agreements in place, the engineer may be restricted from using or sharing the production technique with the competitor.

Consider the nature of the work being requested by the competitor. If it is a direct replication of the production technique developed at the previous employer, accepting the job may be considered unethical as it could be seen as betraying the trust and loyalty to the previous employer.

Evaluate the potential impact on the previous employer. If the competitor is a direct competitor of the previous employer, accepting the job could be seen as aiding the competitor in gaining an advantage over the original employer. This could harm the reputation and competitiveness of the previous employer and may be considered unethical.

In conclusion, the engineer should carefully evaluate their legal and ethical obligations, consider the potential impact on their previous employer, explore alternative solutions, and seek advice before making a decision. It may be necessary to decline the job offer if it is determined to be unethical or in violation of any contractual agreements. Transparency and open communication with all parties involved is key in navigating this ethical dilemma.

Learn more about employer.

https://brainly.com/question/136194

#SPJ4

Full Question: An engineer works for a large firm for several years and participates in the development of a process for a new production technique. A short time after she leaves the company and starts her own consulting business, a competitor of the engineer's original firm asks her to work on a similar production technique. The engineer realizes that the only acceptable solution is to use the process developed by the previous employer. Can she ethically accept the job offer?

A.No. This would constitute acceptance of payment from more than one party for the same project.

B.No. The engineer would have to use information obtained while working for the original employer.

C.Yes. Since the engineer is no longer an employee of the original company, any non-disclosure agreements are invalid.

D.Yes. Consulting engineers often work for competing clients, thus some knowledge transfer is inevitable.